Israel, Hamas must act to end conflict: Singapore

A Palestinian inspecting destroyed houses and the area where the Al-Wafaa hospital used to stand in the Al-Shejaea neighbourhood of Gaza City yesterday, after a 72-hour truce agreed by Israel and Hamas went into effect following intense global pressure to end the conflict. -- PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

By Tham Yuen-C

Both Israel and Hamas are responsible for the escalating conflict in Gaza that has claimed more than a thousand lives so far. But Israel can and should do more to minimise civilian casualties that have shot up in the past month.

Foreign Minister K. Shanmugam made clear Singapore's position on the conflict yesterday, amid calls by some Members of Parliament and Singaporeans for the Government to take a stand.

He said both Israel and Hamas were in the wrong, and had a part to play in ending the violence.

"While we understand the legitimate right of Israel to self- defence, the rising Palestinian death toll... is tragic and extremely distressing. It raises the question of whether Israel's response to the threat is proportionate. Whether or not this response is justified, we believe that Israel can and should do more to ensure that civilian casualties are minimised," he added.

Background story

DISPROPORTIONATE RESPONSE

While we understand the legitimate right of Israel to self-defence, the rising Palestinian death toll... is tragic and extremely distressing. It raises the question of whether Israel's response to the threat is proportionate.